On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, the Supreme Court of New Jersey ruled on the Disciplinary Review Board’s decision to suspend Totowa Attorney Michael A. Rowek over the latter’s criminal conviction.
The case titled ‘In the Matter of Michael A. Rowek ’ was brought by the Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE).
The charges cited Rules of Professional Conduct RPC 8.4(b) (commission of a criminal act that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer).
The New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.
According to the filing, Rowek pled guilty and was convicted of two counts of third-degree possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) before the Superior Court of New Jersey. For this reason, the Disciplinary Review Board concluded that as a matter of final discipline, Rowek should be disciplined by the imposition of a two-year suspension from the practice of law with conditions.
The conditions determined by the Board are as follows: (1) Rowek is to immediately notify the OAE of any positive drug results; (2) prior to reinstatement, Rowek shall provide proof of fitness to practice law, as attested by a medical doctor approved by the OAE, and proof of continuous attendance at a substance use disorder treatment program following the termination, or the successful completion of his probation; and (3) upon reinstatement, Rowek shall provide quarterly reports of his weekly attendance at a substance use disorder program to OAE, for a period of two years.
In view of the foregoing, the Court affirmed the Board’s decision on imposing sanctions against Rowek in relation to his criminal conviction and entered an Order suspending Rowek from the practice of law for two years, effective March 3, 2023, and until further Order of the Court, with conditions as mentioned above.
Mr. Michael A. Rowek earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Seton Hall University School of Law, graduating in 1986. He maintained his law practice in Totowa, New Jersey, prior to the suspension. Rowek has been licensed in New Jersey. His info can be found on LinkedIn.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
